Is it ok not to be ok?
I have tried to reassure myself since the start of this pandemic that everything will be OK. From a big picture point of view, it certainly will. Sure enough, I will look back on what has come from the required modifications and be grateful for a number of life changes that resulted. But what about the moments throughout the day when the restrictions keep changing, work is no longer work, home life is no longer what it was and I can’t possibly find another desk space in this house. These are the moments I tell myself to just get through the day and it will be OK. But then, one morning it occurred to me…. what if I don’t need to feel OK? With that one thought, my shoulders rested, breathing lengthened and it was as if I could let go of the struggle to make it right. I realized life can be messy, feel out of control and most certainly be uncertain!
In my work, I offer guidance to others on how to live a holistic lifestyle, a whole life! I am encouraged now to add a few points into my sessions to remind myself and my clients that a whole life also means a messy life at times, and as we see lately, an uncertain life. No matter what the days bring, live it wholly! Take in the times of stress, feel the nerves of uncertainty and remember to take time to breathe. I can’t count the number of times I have caught myself holding my breath as I skeptically wait for yet another round of restrictions.
To find joy while in our pandemic routine I am setting time aside to create a new normal which includes small things inside our home and in our days to create beauty and a moment to smile. Here’s a list of a few things I’ve done that you could try:
We are a plant-loving family but as the days get filled with tasks we often just walk past the same rooms with the same things in them. Try taking a plant and moving it to a different pot. It may even be time to move plants that have outgrown their current pots and move them to bigger ones. If the budget allows you could even head to your local plant shop to find a new pot. It is amazing what a little change like this can do to a room.
Remember that new car smell? There is something about a new scent in a room that gives a different perspective or energy to a space. If your family is OK with essential oils try putting a few drops on the inside of the toilet paper roll in your bathroom. Put the toilet paper roll back on the holder and wait and see if anyone notices.
Lighting matters! If you are an LED light lover then skip over this suggestion. For the rest of us, try replacing those white LED lightbulbs with an incandescent bulb or even a warm LED. For years we have been encouraged to be energy-saving and keep up with the LED revolution. For my family and with the extra amount of time we have been spending at home, the warmth of an incandescent bulb can’t be beaten. Give it a try and see if it helps your mood.
Another thought….
Have you considered how you eat? Many of you may be wondering why the concept of “how” you eat really matters. It does and I’ll explain why. Perhaps your pre-pandemic lifestyle was suited to the way you ate. Your daily activities may have required the amount and type of foods you consumed and more often than not you felt great. However, life has changed and perhaps an adjustment to what and how you eat might help you cope with your new lifestyle. It may be time to have a look at the difference between consuming whole foods versus fragmented foods or even having a look at your acid versus alkaline balance. If you are curious send me a note at contact@rootholisticnutrition.ca, I’d love to work with you.
I, like everyone else, am learning to adjust on an ongoing basis. If you have any ideas of your own that have helped uplift your space or your days, I’d love to hear. I’ll try and remind myself if you do too, it’s OK to not be OK.
Hugs,
Christie
